On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos (September 5, 1962 - September 5, 2022) and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Laos-Vietnam Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (July 18). 1977-18/07/2022), Lao Minister of Planning and Investment, Mr. Khamjane Vongphosy gave an interview to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Laos about the results of investment cooperation between the two countries as well as ways to improve trade relations. and bilateral economic development commensurate with political relations.

According to Minister Khamjane Vongphosy, Vietnam is currently one of the three largest foreign direct investment (FDI) countries in Laos with 417 projects with a total investment value of up to $4.3 billion.

Many projects of Vietnamese enterprises are invested in remote areas. The Minister assessed that Vietnam supports Laos in researching and formulating agricultural development policies, promoting cooperation and investment in high-tech agriculture to produce clean and sustainable agricultural products.

Currently, the Government of Laos has promoted and created favorable conditions for Vietnamese businesses and economic sectors to cooperate and do business in Laos in the field of environmentally friendly agriculture, in order to meet the needs of the Lao PDR. domestic and export demand, including the mixed agricultural development project of Hoang Anh Attapeu Company, the cow raising project in Xiengkhuang province and many other projects that brought very good results.

In the field of energy exploitation and mines, on the basis of the agreement of the two governments, the projects implemented in the energy field of Vietnam are implemented according to the laws of Laos, including a number of projects. Prominent projects such as Xekamane 1, Xekamane Xansay and Xekamane 3 have contributed significantly to the Lao government's budget. All mine projects are carried out under contracts that have been signed and achieved relatively good progress.

The Lao government also has an incentive policy to attract more Vietnamese businesses to invest in the service sector. Over the years, there have been a number of investment projects in this field such as the Long Thanh Golf Course project; investment project of Viettel Group in Laos; Viengchan Plaza Hotel; Muong Thanh Hotel; Crown Plaza Hotel and projects in the banking sector such as Vietcombank, BIDV, ViettinBank, Sacombank...

The above projects have very important socio-economic and political significance, significantly contributing to the socio-economic development and poverty reduction of the Lao people.

Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Khamjane Vongphosy emphasized that the Lao Government is currently implementing the 9th five-year socio-economic plan, which focuses on the development of infrastructure projects. connection with Vietnam in order to bring maximum socio-economic benefits to the people of both countries, continuing to contribute to the great friendship, special solidarity and cooperation. comprehensively Vietnam-Laos has grown steadily in both width and depth.

Laos has a strategy to develop the country from a landlocked country to a country connecting the region, including projects such as Vung Ang Port, Laos-Vietnam Railway Project, Thanaleng Inland Port and the area. Logistics capital Vientiane.

For the Vung Ang Port project, the Government of Vietnam has agreed to allow Laos to use Vung Ang Port so that Laos has a way to the sea and access to the international market, this is the heart, solidarity and friendship of Vietnam. South for Laos.

On this basis, the Lao Government has outlined a strategy to build Vung Ang Port into an international port, a deep-water port that can accommodate ships of 100,000 tons in and out of the port, creating a basis for diversified transshipment of goods to support supporting industrial development, agriculture, mining and logistics services.

The most important thing is that this is a condition to exploit the potential strengths so that Laos can transport its goods to 3rd countries at a lower cost than road transport, which will help increase the competitiveness of Laos. Laos goods on the international market, at the same time also help the import of goods, materials and equipment for the construction of economic infrastructure of Laos more convenient.

When it comes into operation, Vung Ang Port will have a particularly important position, as the economic gateway of Lao PDR in the import and export of goods because it is the closest access to sea freight services. compared to ports in neighboring countries.

In parallel with the development of Vung Ang seaport, the two governments of Laos and Vietnam have agreed to build a railway line from Vung Ang to Thakhek, Khammuan province, Central Laos and connect with Vientiane capital.

This will lead to the development of the infrastructure system in transporting passengers and goods and help develop a highly efficient logistics system, contributing to bringing economic benefits to the two countries in reducing costs. and shipping time; promote the development of agriculture, minerals, industry, trade and logistics services; create jobs, eliminate hunger and reduce poverty for the people and increase gross domestic product.

If the above projects are completed, it will help realize the East-West Economic Corridor Development Plan running along the economic corridor from Vung Ang Port/Ha Tinh Province/Vietnam to Khammuan Province/Central Laos to connecting with Phanom province and the Northeastern provinces of Thailand. Along this corridor will develop industry, agriculture, minerals and other services to promote socio-economic growth for countries in the region.

Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Khamjane Vongphosy also said that although the trade relationship between Laos and Vietnam has grown every year, investment by Vietnamese enterprises is at the top of the list of foreign investors. in Laos, but based on the requirements of cooperation in new conditions, the two sides must continue to pay attention to improve and upgrade relations in the field of trade and investment to match the bilateral relationship in cooperation.

On the basis of the spirit of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation, the Governments of the two countries have created all favorable conditions to promote trade and investment in a more methodical direction. The Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos and the Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam have many times held exchanges and meetings to attract Vietnamese investors to invest in Laos.

Earlier this year, the Prime Ministers of the two countries also held a meeting with Vietnamese and Laotian businessmen to listen and create opportunities for Vietnamese businessmen who have invested in Laos to report on their production activities. business activities of enterprises, clearly stating the advantages, difficulties and recommendations related to their business activities in Laos in order to have policies and create favorable conditions for enterprises to operate normally and contribute economic development of Laos.

According to Minister Khamjane Vongphosy, through the information exchange meeting between businesses of the two sides, it can be seen that in order to exploit the potential strengths of the two sides, in order to strengthen the trade and investment relations between the two countries, come into reality. quality, efficiency, meeting the aspirations and wishes of the senior leaders of the two countries, the two countries must focus on the following issues: (1) Must actively focus on improving the business environment between the two countries Laos- Vietnam is getting better and better, developing policies to encourage and facilitate, reduce unnecessary procedures, time and costs in business activities of related industries in a timely and transparent manner. transparency and efficiency; (2) Attracting investment from Vietnamese enterprises with financial capacity and technical expertise, prioritizing investment in clean agriculture, using high technology, processing and manufacturing industries in order to improve the quality of life. high value of export products; Encourage people in border areas to exchange production and business more products; (3) Continue to promptly and reasonably solve difficulties and problems for Lao investors in Vietnam and Vietnam in Laos.

In order to continue promoting the tradition of great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries to develop, on this occasion, on behalf of the leaders of the Lao Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Lao PDR Committee. Laos-Vietnam cooperation, Minister Khamjane Vongphosy called on businesses of the two countries to deeply understand and understand the special nature of the solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos over the past time. Together, they will preserve and promote this relationship so that it can both meet the needs of cooperation between the two countries in the new context and ensure the interests of the people of the two countries as well as the businesses of the two countries. in order to bring the special friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam forever.